Hybrid spinal plates

ABSTRACT

Various spinal plating systems for use in treating spinal pathologies are provided. In certain exemplary embodiments, the spinal plating systems can be configured to allow a surgeon to select a bone screw construct having a particular range of motion for attaching a spinal plate to bone as needed based on the intended use. In one exemplary embodiment, the spinal plating system includes a first bone screw that is polyaxially movable relative to the spinal plate, and a second bone screw that has a range of motion that is substantially limited to a single plane.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.14/562,804 filed on Dec. 8, 2014 and entitled “Hybrid Spinal Plates,”which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/049,147 filed onMar. 16, 2011 and entitled “Hybrid Spinal Plates,” now U.S. Pat. No.8,940,025, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/904,984 filed on Dec. 8, 2004 and entitled “Hybrid Spinal Plates,”now U.S. Pat. No. 7,931,678, each of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

For a number of known reasons, bone fixation devices are useful forpromoting proper healing of injured or damaged vertebral bone segmentscaused by trauma, tumor growth, or degenerative disc disease. Thefixation devices immobilize the injured bone segments to ensure theproper growth of new osseous tissue between the damaged segments. Thesetypes of bone fixation devices often include internal bracing andinstrumentation to stabilize the spinal column to facilitate theefficient healing of the damaged area without deformity or instability,while minimizing any immobilization and post-operative care of thepatient.

One such device is an osteosynthesis plate, more commonly referred to asa bone fixation plate, that can be used to immobilize adjacent skeletalparts such as bones. Typically, the fixation plate is a rigid metal orpolymeric plate positioned to span bones or bone segments that requireimmobilization with respect to one another. The plate is fastened to therespective bones, usually with bone screws, so that the plate remains incontact with the bones and fixes them in a desired position. Bone platescan be useful in providing the mechanical support necessary to keepvertebral bodies in proper position and bridge a weakened or diseasedarea such as when a disc, vertebral body or fragment has been removed.

Such plates have been used to immobilize a variety of bones, includingvertebral bodies of the spine. These bone plate systems usually includea rigid bone plate having a plurality of screw openings. The bone plateis placed against the damaged vertebral bodies and bone screws are usedto secure the bone plate to the spine, usually with the bone screwsbeing driven into the vertebral bodies.

Bone screws can be supported in a spinal plate in either a rigid or asemi-rigid fashion. In a rigid fashion, the bone screws are notpermitted to move angularly relative to the plate. Conversely, in asemi-rigid fashion, the bone screws can move relative to the plate. Theuse of rigid and semi-rigid bone screws allow the surgeon to select theappropriate bone screw based on the particular treatment. While currentplating systems can be effective, they typically require the use ofdifferent plates to obtain the desired bone screw fixation.

Accordingly, there remains a need for an improved plating system thatallows the surgeon to use a single plate and to select between varioustypes of bone screw fixation.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are various exemplary spinal plating systems for use intreating spinal pathologies. The spinal plating systems can beconfigured to allow a surgeon to select a bone screw construct having aparticular range of motion for attaching a spinal plate to bone asneeded based on the intended use. In one exemplary embodiment, thespinal plating system includes a first bone screw that is polyaxiallymovable relative to the spinal plate, and a second bone screw that has arange of motion that is substantially limited to a single plane.

While the exemplary spinal plating systems can include a spinal fixationplate having virtually any configuration, in one exemplary embodimentthe spinal plate includes a thru-bore formed therein that is adapted tointerchangeably receive a first bone engaging fastener such that a shankof the first bone engaging fastener is movable in more than one plane ofmotion relative to the spinal plate, and a second bone engaging fastenersuch that movement of a shank of the second bone engaging fastenerrelative to the spinal plate is substantially limited to a single planeof motion.

While the thru-bore in the spinal plate can have a variety ofconfigurations, one exemplary thru-bore includes a proximal inner walland a distal inner wall that differ in shape relative to one another.The proximal inner wall can, for example, be substantially symmetricalabout a common axis of the thru-bore, and the distal inner wall can, forexample, be substantially asymmetrical about the common axis. In anotherexemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the distal inner wall canextend at an angle relative to a central axis of the thru-bore. Oneexemplary angle is in the range of approximately 1° to approximately10°. In another exemplary embodiment, the proximal inner wall of thethru-bore can be substantially spherical, and the distal inner wall ofthe thru-bore can be oblong. The oblong inner wall can have a maximumextent and a minimum extent that is less than the maximum extent. Wherethe spinal fixation plate includes opposed proximal and distal ends, andopposed lateral sides extending between the opposed proximal and distalends, in one embodiment the minimum extent can extend in aproximal-distal direction, and the maximum extent can extend in amedial-lateral direction. In another embodiment, the maximum extent canextend in a proximal-distal direction, and the minimum extent can extendin a medial-lateral direction.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, first andsecond bone engaging fasteners are provided having a shank with a headformed thereon and adapted to be received within a thru-bore in thespinal plate. The head of the second bone engaging fastener can bedifferent from the head of the first bone engaging fastener such thatthe fasteners interact with a thru-bore in a spinal plate in twodifferent orientations. While each bone engaging fastener can have avariety of configurations, in one exemplary embodiment the head of thefirst bone engaging fastener can have a distal portion with an extentthat is substantially less than the maximum and minimum extents of adistal inner wall of the thru-bore formed in a spinal plate, and thehead of the second bone engaging fastener can have a distal portion withan extent that is adapted to engage the minimum extent of the distalinner wall of the thru-bore.

In another embodiment, the spinal plate can include opposed proximal anddistal ends and lateral sides extending between the proximal and distalends. When a first bone engaging fastener is disposed within a thru-borein the plate, a shank of the first bone engaging fastener can be movablein a proximal direction, a distal direction, a medial direction, alateral direction, and combinations thereof. When a second bone engagingfastener is disposed within the thru-bore in the plate, a shank of thesecond bone engaging fastener can be substantially limited to movementin only one of a proximal direction, a distal direction, a medialdirection, a lateral direction, a medial-lateral direction, and aproximal-distal direction.

An exemplary spinal plate having an insert disposed therein forreceiving a first bone screw in a variable angle construct and a secondbone screw in a limited angle construct is also provided. In anotherembodiment, the insert can be a ring-shaped member disposed within athru-bore in the plate. The ring-shaped member can have a variety ofconfigurations, for example it can include a split formed therein suchthat an extent of the ring-shaped member is adjustable. In one exemplaryembodiment, the ring-shaped member can include an outer surface having ashape that complements a shape of an inner surface of the thru-bore, andan inner surface having at least a portion that is asymmetrical about anaxis of the thru-bore in the insert. By way of non-limiting example, atleast a portion of the inner surface of the thru-bore can have an oblongshape. In another embodiment, the ring-shaped member can be adapted tobe disposed within the thru-bore in the spinal plate in a plurality ofpositions. The ring-shaped member can include an alignment mechanismadapted to align the ring-shaped member in one of the plurality ofpositions in the thru-bore in the spinal plate. By way of non-limitingexample, the alignment mechanism can be at least one protrusion formedon an external surface of the ring-shaped member. The thru-bore in thespinal plate can include at least one corresponding detent formedtherein for receiving the protrusion(s) on the ring-shaped member.

An exemplary spinal plating kit is also provided. In one embodiment, thespinal plating kit includes a first bone engaging fastener having ashank with a head formed thereon, a second bone engaging fastener havinga shank with a head that differs from the head of the first boneengaging fastener, and a spinal plate having a thru-bore formed thereinand adapted to selectively seat the head of the first and second boneengaging fasteners. At least a portion of the thru-bore can besubstantially asymmetrical about an axis of the thru-bore such that thethru-bore is adapted to allow polyaxial movement of the shank of thefirst bone engaging fastener, and it is adapted to substantially limitmovement of the shank of second bone engaging fastener to within asingle plane of motion. In one exemplary embodiment, the thru-bore inthe spinal plate can include a proximal portion that is adapted toselectively seat a proximal portion of the head of the first and secondbone engaging fasteners, and a distal portion that is adapted toselectively seat a distal portion of the head of the first and secondbone engaging fasteners. By way of non-limiting example, the proximalportion of the thru-bore can be substantially spherical and the distalportion of the thru-bore can be substantially oblong. In anotherexemplary embodiment, the head of the first bone engaging fastener caninclude a substantially spherical proximal portion and a distal portion,and the head of the distal portion of the second bone engaging fastenercan include a substantially spherical proximal portion and asubstantially cylindrical distal portion having a size that is greaterthan a size of the distal portion of the first bone engaging fastenersuch that the distal portion of the head of the second bone engagingfastener is adapted to engage at least a portion of the distal portionof the thru-bore.

Exemplary methods for implanting a spinal fixation plate are alsoprovided. One exemplary methods includes positioning a spinal fixationplate against bone. The spinal fixation plate includes a thru-bore withan insert disposed therein. The insert can have a central opening formedtherethrough and defining a single plane of motion of a bone engagingfastener to be received therein. The insert can then be rotated toorient the single plane of motion in a desired direction, and a boneengaging fastener can then be inserted through the insert to attach thespinal fixation plate to bone, wherein movement of a shank of the boneengaging fastener is limited to the desired direction of the singleplane of motion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a spinalfixation plate having a bone screw disposed within a thru-bore formedtherein and showing an exemplary range of motion of the bone screw;

FIG. 1B is an end view of the spinal plate and bone screw shown in FIG.1A;

FIG. 1C is a side view of the spinal plate and bone screw shown in FIG.1A;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the spinal plate shown in FIG. 1Ahaving another exemplary embodiment of a bone screw disposed within athru-bore formed therein and showing an exemplary range of motion of thebone screw;

FIG. 2B is an end view of the spinal plate and bone screw shown in FIG.2A;

FIG. 2C is a side view of the spinal plate and bone screw shown in FIG.2A;

FIG. 3A is a superior perspective view of another exemplary embodimentof a spinal fixation plate;

FIG. 3B is a side view of the spinal fixation plate shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the spinal fixation plate shown inFIG. 3A taken across line C-C;

FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the spinal fixation plate shown inFIG. 3A taken across line D-D;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of a bonescrew adapted to be disposed within one of the thru-bores shown in thespinal fixation plate of FIGS. 3A-3D;

FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of the head of the bone screw shown in FIG.4A;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a bonescrew adapted to be disposed within one of the thru-bores shown in thespinal fixation plate of FIGS. 3A-3D;

FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the head of the bone screw shown in FIG.5A;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an insertthat is adapted to be disposed within a thru-bore in a spinal fixationplate;

FIG. 6B is a superior view of one embodiment of a spinal fixation plateshowing the insert of FIG. 6B disposed within two thru-bores formedtherein;

FIG. 6C is a superior view of the spinal fixation plate shown in FIG. 6Bshowing the insert of FIG. 6B disposed within two thru-bores formedtherein and having two bone screws disposed therethrough;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a spinalfixation plate; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a spinalfixation plate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide anoverall understanding of the principles of the structure, function,manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One ormore examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that thedevices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and thatthe scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. Thefeatures illustrated or described in connection with one exemplaryembodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Suchmodifications and variations are intended to be included within thescope of the present invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, a spinal plating system is provided havinga spinal plate with at least one thru-bore formed therein forselectively receiving at least two types of bone screws, thus allowing asurgeon to select an appropriate construct depending on the intendeduse. While various techniques can be used to achieve such a spinalplating system, and certain exemplary embodiments will be discussed inmore detail below, FIGS. 1A-2C generally illustrate the functionality ofone such exemplary spinal plating system having a spinal plate 10, avariable angle bone screw 20, and a limited angle bone screw 30. At theoutset, one skilled in the art will understand that the spinal plate 10and bone screws 20, 30 shown in FIGS. 1A-2C are merely shown forillustration purposes, and that the spinal plate 10 and bone screws 20,30 can have virtually any configuration. By way of non-limiting example,FIG. 7 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a spinal fixationplate that can include various features disclosed herein. A personskilled in the art will also appreciate that a variety of otherfastening devices can be used in place of the bone screws 20, 30 toattach the spinal plate 10 to bone. While not shown or particularlydescribed, the exemplary spinal plating systems disclosed herein canalso include a rigid bone screw that is adapted to be disposed through athru-bore in the plate at a fixed angle.

Referring first to FIGS. 1A-1C, one exemplary embodiment of a variableangle bone screw 20 is shown disposed within a thru-bore 12 in a spinalplate 10. The bone screw 20, various exemplary embodiments of which willbe discussed in more detail below, generally includes a head 22 and ashank 24 extending from the head 22. In this exemplary embodiment, whenthe shank 24 of the bone screw 20 is disposed through the thru-bore 12in the plate 10 and the head 22 of the bone screw 20 is seated withinthe thru-bore 12, the shank 24 of the bone screw 20 can move polyaxiallyrelative to the plate 10. In particular, the head 22 of the bone screw20 can pivot within the thru-bore 12 such that the shank 24 can movefreely within multiple planes of motion, as indicated by the cone-shapedshaded area M_(f). The polyaxial range of motion of the bone screw 20can vary depending on the particular configuration of the bone screw 20and the plate 10, for example on the size and shape of the screw head 22relative to the size and shape of the thru-bore 12, but in theillustrated exemplary embodiment the shank 24 of the bone screw 20 canmove approximately 15° in all directions from a neutral axis A_(s) ofthe screw 20, such that the cone-shaped shaded area M_(f) has a coneangle α_(f) of about 30°. A person skilled in the art will appreciatethat the range of motion can be less than or substantially greater than15° depending on the intended use. For example, the shank 24 of the bonescrew 20 can move approximately 10°-20°, and in some cases greater than25°.

Now referring to FIGS. 2A-2C, the spinal plate 10 is shown having alimited angle bone screw 30 disposed within thru-bore 12. Again, thebone screw 30, various exemplary embodiments of which will be discussedin more detail below, generally includes a head 32 and a shank 34extending from the head 32. In this exemplary embodiment, when the shank34 of the bone screw 30 is disposed through the thru-bore 12 in theplate 10 and the head 32 of the bone screw 30 is seated within thethru-bore 12, the shank 34 of the bone screw 30 can be substantiallylimited to movement within a single plane of motion relative to theplate 10. In particular, the head 32 of the bone screw 30 can beconfigured to pivot within the thru-bore 12 such that the shank 34 has alimited range of motion that can be substantially within a single plane,as indicated by the shaded area M_(f). The limited range of motion ofthe bone screw 30 can vary depending on the particular configuration ofthe bone screw 30 and the plate 10, for example on the size and shape ofthe screw head 32 relative to the size and shape of the thru-bore 12,but in the illustrated exemplary embodiment the shank 34 of the bonescrew 30 can move up to approximately 5° in one direction, i.e., a totalof 10° in opposed directions, substantially within a single plane from aneutral axis A_(l) of the screw 30. A person skilled in the art willappreciate that the range of motion can be less than or substantiallygreater than 5° depending on the intended use. For example, the range ofmotion of the shank 34 from the neutral axis of the bone screw 30 can beapproximately 5° to approximately 15°. Moreover, while the shank 34 ofthe bone screw 30 can be substantially limited to movement within asingle plane of motion, the bone screw 30 may toggle slightly or havesome micro-motion that is outside of the plane of motion, for example,as a result of manufacturing tolerances. It will also be understood thatthe term “single plane of motion” is intended to generally refer to adirection of movement.

The exemplary spinal plating system shown in FIGS. 1A-3C can be achievedusing a variety of techniques. FIGS. 3A-6C illustrate certain exemplaryembodiments. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that theexemplary techniques used to achieve a system having two interchangeablefastening elements can be incorporated into a variety of other surgicaldevices, and that the exemplary spinal plating system disclosed caninclude a variety of other features known in the art.

Referring first to FIGS. 3A-5B, one exemplary spinal plating system isshown having a fixation plate 40 (shown in FIGS. 3A-3D), a limited anglebone screw 50 (shown in FIGS. 4A-4B), and a variable angle bone screw 60(shown in FIGS. 5A-5B). While the spinal fixation plate 40 can havevirtually any configuration and the illustrated exemplary plate 40 ismerely shown for reference purposes only, the exemplary plate 40 has agenerally elongate shape with opposed proximal and distal ends 40 p, 40d, opposed lateral sides 40 a 40 b extending between the proximal anddistal ends 40 p, 40 d, a superior non-bone contacting surface 40 s, andan inferior bone contacting surface 40 i. The plate 40 also includesfour thru-bores 42 a, 42 b, 42 c, 42 d formed therein and extendingbetween the superior and inferior surfaces 40 a, 40 b. The plate 40 can,however, include any number of thru-bores. The bone screws 50, 60 canalso have a variety of configurations, but in the illustrated exemplaryembodiment the bone screws 50, 60 generally include a head 52, 62 and ashank 54, 64 extending distally from the head 52, 62.

In this exemplary embodiment, one or more of the thru-bores 42 a, 42 b,42 c, 42 d in the spinal plate 40 can be adapted interchangeably receivethe limited angle bone screw 50 and the variable angle bone screw 60such that the variable angle bone screw 60 can move polyaxially, asdescribed with respect to FIGS. 1A-1C, while the limited angle bonescrew 50 can be substantially limited to movement within a single planeof motion, as described with respect to FIGS. 2A-2C. In one exemplaryembodiment, as shown in more detail in FIGS. 3C and 3D, one or more ofthe thru-bores, e.g., thru-bore 42 c, can have a proximal inner wall 43a and a distal inner wall 43 b, and the shape of each portion of theinner wall 43 a, 43 b of the thru-bore 42 c can be adapted to interactdifferently with each bone screw 50, 60. In particular, in theillustrated exemplary embodiment the proximal inner wall 43 a of thethru-bore 42 c can have a shape that is complementary to the shape of atleast a proximal portion of the head 52, 62 of each bone screw 50, 60,while the distal inner wall 43 b of the thru-bore 42 c can have a shapethat differs from the proximal inner wall 43 a and that allows freeangular movement of the variable angle bone screw 60 while limitingmovement of the limited angle bone screw 50.

While the shape of the proximal inner wall 43 a of the thru-bore 42 ccan vary, in one exemplary embodiment the proximal inner wall 43 a ofthe thru-bore 43 a can be substantially symmetrical about a common orcentral axis A of the thru-bore 42 c. For example, the proximal innerwall 43 a can have a substantially spherical shape. At least a proximalportion 52 a, 62 a of the head 52, 62 of each bone screw 50, 60 can alsohave a symmetrical shape, such as a spherical shape as shown in FIGS.4A-5B, that complements the spherical shape of the proximal inner wall43 a of the thru-bore 42 c. Thus, in use, the spherical proximal innerwall 43 a of the thru-bore 42 c can interchangeably seat the sphericalproximal portion 52 a, 62 a of the head 52, 62 of each bone screw 50,60, and in an exemplary embodiment the proximal inner wall 43 a does notimpinge on or otherwise present movement of the proximal portion 52 a,62 a of each bone screw 50, 60. A person skilled in the art willappreciate that while the exemplary proximal inner wall 43 a isdescribed as having a substantially spherical shape, that the proximalinner wall 43 a can have some interruptions in the shape. For example,the proximal inner wall 43 a can include a cut-out portion to facilitateuse of a locking mechanism with the plate 40, as will be described inmore detail below.

The distal inner wall 43 b of the thru-bore 42 c can also have a varietyof shapes and sizes, but in one exemplary embodiment the distal innerwall 43 b of the thru-bore 42 c is substantially asymmetrical about acommon or central axis A of the thru-bore 42 c. For example, the distalinner walls 43 b of the thru-bore 42 c can have an oblong shape, asshown. As a result of the oblong shape of the distal inner wall 43 b,the distal inner wall 43 b can include a minimum extent D_(t1) and amaximum extent D_(t2) that is greater that minimum extent D_(t1). Theminimum and maximum extents D_(t1), D_(t2) can be adapted to controlmovement of each bone screw 50, 60.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the exemplary variable angle bone screw 60has a head 62 with a distal portion 62 b that is adapted to be receivedwithin the distal portion 43 b of the thru-bore 42 c. While the shape ofthe distal portion 62 b of the head 62 can vary, in the illustratedexemplary embodiment the distal portion 62 b is substantiallycylindrical. The distal portion 62 b can have an extent, e.g., adiameter D_(v), that is substantially less than the minimum and maximumextents D_(t1), D_(t2) of the distal portion 43 b of the thru-bore 42 c.As a result, the distal portion 62 b of the head 62 of the variableangle bone screw 60 can move in multiple directions, e.g., proximal,distal, medial, lateral, and combinations thereof, such that the shank64 is polyaxial relative to the plate 40. A person skilled in the artwill appreciate that the head 62 of the variable angle bone screw 60does not necessarily need to include a distal portion 62 b, and that thehead 62 can merely taper into the shank 64.

As shown FIGS. 4A and 4B, the limited angle bone screw 50 can also havea head 52 b with a distal portion 52 b that is also adapted to bereceived within the distal portion 43 b of the thru-bore 42 c. However,in an exemplary embodiment, the distal portion 52 b of the head 52 ofthe limited angle bone screw 50 can differ in size relative to thedistal portion 62 b of the head 62 of the variable angle bone screw 60.In an exemplary embodiment, the distal portion 52 b of the head 52 ofthe limited angle bone screw 50 has a substantially cylindrical shapewith an extent, e.g., a diameter D_(L), that is greater than an extent,e.g., a diameter D_(v), of the distal portion 62 b of the variable anglebone screw 60, that is substantially less than the maximum extent D_(t2)of the oblong distal inner wall 43 b of the thru-bore 42 c, and that isonly slightly less than the minimum extent D_(t1) of the oblong distalinner wall 43 b of the thru-bore 42 c. As a result, when the head 52 ofthe limited angle bone screw 50 is seated within the thru-bore 42 c, theportion of the distal inner wall 43 b of the thru-bore 42 c having aminimum extent D_(t1) can engage the distal portion 52 b of the head 52of the limited angle bone screw 50, thereby preventing movement of thebone screw 50 in the direction of the minimum extent D_(t1). The bonescrew 50 can move in the direction of the maximum extent D_(t2) of thedistal inner wall 43 b of the thru-bore 42 c as the maximum extentD_(t2) is greater than the extent, e.g., diameter D_(L), of the distalportion 52 b of the limited angle bone screw 50.

The direction of movement of the limited angle bone screw 50 can varydepending on the positioning of the oblong distal inner wall 43 b of thethru-bore 42 c. In other words, the minimum and maximum extents D_(t1),D_(t2) of the oblong distal inner wall 43 b of the thru-bore 42 c canextend in any direction relative to the plate 40 depending on theintended plane of motion of the limited angle bone screw 50. In oneexemplary embodiment, the minimum extent D_(t1) extends in aproximal-distal direction, as shown in FIG. 3D, and the maximum extentD_(t2) extends in a side-to-side direction, also referred to as amedial-lateral direction, as shown in FIG. 3C. The limited angle bonescrew 50 can thus move freely in a medial-lateral direction, but it canbe substantially prevented from moving in a proximal-distal direction.

The amount of movement of each bone screw 50, 60 relative to the plate40 can also vary, and the size of the head 52, 62 of each bone screw 50,60, as well as the size of the thru-bore 42 c, can be used to controlthe amount of movement in a particular direction. By way of non-limitingexample, at least a portion of the distal inner wall 43 b of thethru-bore 42 c can be positioned at an angle relative to the centralaxis A of the thru-bore 42 c, and the angle can be determinative of theamount of movement. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3C, the opposedsides of distal inner wall 43 b of the thru-bore 42 c that define themaximum extent D_(t2) each extend at angle α₁, α₂ that is approximately5° such that the limited angle bone screw 50 can move 5° in a medialdirection and 5° in a lateral direction. A person skilled in the artwill appreciate that each angle α₁, α₂ can vary, and that only one orboth sides of the distal inner wall 43 b of the thru-bore 42 c thatdefine the maximum extent D_(t2) can extend at an angle to controlmovement of the limited angle bone screw 50. Moreover, the distal innerwall 43 b of the thru-bore 42 c does not need to extend at an angle tocontrol movement of the limited angle bone screw 50. In other exemplaryembodiments, some or all of the distal inner wall 43 b can besubstantially parallel to the central axis A. For example, the innerwall 43 b can have a stepped configuration such that the extent of theinner wall 43 b changes between the proximal inner wall 43 a and thedistal inner wall 43 b. In other embodiments, the inner wall 43 b caninclude a series of steps to change the extent between the proximal anddistal inner walls 43 a, 43 b. A person skilled in the art willappreciate that a variety of other techniques can be used to controlmovement of a limited angle bone screw 50 relative to the plate 40.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a spinal platingconstruct. In this embodiment, rather than having a spinal plate with atleast one thru-bore that is adapted to control movement of a variableangle bone screw and a limited angle bone screw, an insert 70 isprovided for use with a spinal fixation plate. In one exemplaryembodiment, the insert 70 is used with the limited angle bone screw 50shown in FIGS. 4A-4B and the variable angle bone screw 60 shown in FIGS.5A-5B. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the insert 70can be used with a variety of other fastening devices.

The insert 70 can have virtually any shape and size, but in certainexemplary embodiments the insert 70 can have a shape that is adapted tobe received within a thru-bore in a spinal plate. As shown in FIG. 6A,the exemplary insert 70 is substantially ring-shaped with an outersurface 70 a and an inner surface 70 b defining a bore 72 extendingtherethrough. As is further shown in FIG. 6A, the exemplary insert 70can include a split or gap 71 formed therein to allow an extent or sizeof the insert 70 to be adjusted as may be needed to position the insertwithin a thru-bore in a spinal plate.

The outer surface 70 a of the insert 70 can vary depending on the shapeand size of the thru-bore which the insert 70 is adapted to be receivedwithin. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the outer surface 70 aof the insert 70 is substantially cylindrical, but it can have a steppedconfiguration as shown. The stepped configuration allows the insert 70to be seated within a thru-bore having a corresponding steppedconfiguration, thus preventing the insert 70 from passing completelythrough the thru-bore. An exemplary embodiment of a spinal plate 80having thru-bores 82 a, 82 b, 82 c, 82 d is shown in FIG. 6B, and asshown two inserts 70, 70′ are disposed within two of the thru-bores,e.g., thru-bores 82 b and 82 d. A person skilled in the art willappreciate that the insert 70 can be used with virtually any spinalplate, and plate 80 is merely shown for reference purposes.

The inner surface 70 b of the insert 70 can also have a variety ofconfigurations, but in one exemplary embodiment the inner surface 70 bis adapted to receive and interact differently with a variable anglebone screw, such as bone screw 60 shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, and a limitedangle bone screw, such as bone screw 50 shown in FIGS. 4A-4B. As shownin FIG. 6A, at least a portion of the inner surface 70 b of theexemplary insert 70 can be substantially asymmetrical about a common orcentral axis of the insert 70. In an exemplary embodiment, the innersurface 70 b is similar to thru-bore 42 c previously described in FIGS.3A-3D and it can include a proximal portion that is substantiallysymmetrical about a common axis of the thru-bore 72, and a distalportion that is substantially asymmetrical about the common axis. By wayof non-limiting example, the proximal portion can have an sphericalshape and the distal portion can having an oblong shape such that thedistal portions includes a minimum extent d_(i1) and maximum extentd_(i2) that is greater than the minimum extent d_(i1).

As previously described with respect to the thru-bore 42 c in spinalfixation plate 40, the minimum and maximum extent d_(i1), d_(i2)portions can be adapted to control movement of the bone screws 50, 60,which are shown in FIG. 6C disposed through the inserts 70, 70′ in thethru-bores 82 b, 82 d of plate 80. In an exemplary embodiment, theextent, e.g., diameter D_(v), of the distal portion 62 b of theexemplary variable angle bone screw 60 (shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B) can besubstantially less than the minimum and maximum extents d_(i1), d_(i2)of the oblong portion of the inner wall 70 b of the insert 70. As aresult, the distal portion 62 b of the head 62 of the variable anglebone screw 60 can move in multiple directions, e.g., proximal, distal,medial, lateral, and combinations thereof, such that the shank 64 ispolyaxial relative to the plate 40. In another exemplary embodiment, theextent, e.g., diameter D_(L), of the distal portion 52 b of the head 52of the limited angle bone screw 50 can be substantially less than themaximum extent d_(i2) of the oblong portion of the inner wall 72 b ofthe insert 70 and only slightly less than the minimum extent d_(i1) ofthe oblong portion of the inner wall 72 b of the insert 70. As a result,when the head 52 of the limited angle bone screw 50 is seated within theinsert 70, the minimum extent d_(i1) portion of the inner wall 72B ofthe insert 70 can engage the distal portion 52 b of the head 52 of thelimited angle bone screw 50, thereby substantially preventing movementof the bone screw 50 in the direction of the minimum extent d_(i1). Thebone screw 50 can move in the direction of the maximum extent d_(i2) ofthe distal inner wall 72 b of the insert 70 as the maximum extent d_(i2)can be greater than the extent, e.g., diameter D_(L), of the distalportion 52 b of the limited angle bone screw 50.

As was previously described with respect to thru-bore 42 c in plate 40,the minimum and maximum extents d_(i1), d_(i2) of the oblong inner wall72 b of the insert 70 can be adapted to control the intended plane ofmotion of the limited angle bone screw 50. For example, at least aportion of the oblong portion of the inner wall 72 b of the insert 70can be positioned at an angle to control the range of motion of thelimited angle bone screw 50. A person skilled in the art will appreciatethat the shape of bore 72 in the insert 70 can have a variety of otherconfigurations, and that the shape can be adapted in other ways tocontrol the plane of motion of the limited angle bone screw 50 and/orthe range of motion.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the insert 70can be adapted to allow the direction of motion of the limited anglebone screw 50 to be selectively adjusted. While various techniques canbe used to provide such a configuration, in one exemplary embodiment thedirection in which the insert 70 is positioned within the thru-bore inthe plate can be determinative of the plane of motion of the limitedangle bone screw 50. For example, the maximum extent d_(i2) of the innerwall 70 b of the insert 70 can be positioned within a thru-bore 82 a-din the plate 80 in a direction of desired movement of the limited anglebone screw 50, as the maximum extent d_(i2) portion of the inner wallcan control the direction in which the limited angle bone screw 50 isallowed to move. As shown in FIG. 6A, the maximum extent d_(i2) of theinsert 70 is aligned with the slit 71. Thus, when the insert 70 isdisposed within one of the thru-bores 82 a-d in the plate, the slit 70can be positioned in the desired direction of movement. A person skilledin the art will appreciate that a slit 71 is not necessary and that avariety of other techniques can be used to indicate the orientation ofthe insert, including, for example, indicia formed on the insert 70.Moreover, in use, the insert can be oriented as desired either before orafter a bone screw is inserter therethrough.

In another embodiment, the insert 70 can include an alignment mechanismformed thereon and adapted to allow the insert 70 to be selectivelyaligned with the thru-bore in a desired direction of movement. By way ofnon-limiting example, the alignment mechanism can be one or more ridges,grooves, protrusions, detents, etc., or other features formed on theouter surface 70 a of the insert 70, and the inner surface of at leastone of the thru-bores 82 a-82 d in the plate 80 can includecorresponding ridges, grooves, protrusions, detents, etc., or otherfeatures formed on the inner surface thereof. The insert 70 can thus beinserted into one of the thru-bores 82 a-82 d in the plate 80 in adesired position, and the alignment mechanism can be effective tomaintain the insert 70 in that position, i.e., to prevent rotation ofthe insert.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the insert 70 can include fourprotrusions (not shown) formed on the outer surface 70 a thereof, and atleast one of the thru-bores 82 a-d in the plate 80 can include fourcorresponding detents (not shown) formed therein for receiving theprotrusions. The detents or protrusions can be adapted to align theminimum and maximum extents d_(i1), d_(i2) portions of the insert 70 ina particular direction, such as a proximal-distal direction or amedial-lateral direction. As a result, the insert 70 can be disposedwithin the thru-bore 82 a-d in one of several orientations. In the firstorientation, the slit 71, which can function as an indicator for themaximum extent d_(i2) which can be aligned with the slit 71, can bepositioned toward the proximal end 80 p of the plate 80 to allowmovement of the limited angle bone screw 50 in a proximal direction, adistal direction, or both a proximal and distal direction. The slit 71can likewise be positioned in a second, opposed orientation toward thedistal end 80 d of the plate 80 to likewise allow movement in a proximaldirection, a distal direction, or both a proximal and distal direction.In a third orientation, the slit 71 can be positioned toward lateralside 80 a of the plate 80 to allow movement of the limited angle bonescrew 50 toward lateral side 80 a, toward the opposed lateral side 80 b,or in both directions, e.g., a medial-lateral or side-to-side direction.Likewise, in the fourth orientation, the slit 71 can be positionedtoward lateral side 80 b of the plate 80 to allow movement of thelimited angle bone screw 50 toward lateral side 80 a, toward the opposedlateral side 80 b, or in both directions, e.g., a medial-lateral orside-to-side direction. A person skilled in the art will appreciate thata variety of other techniques can be used to allow the direction ofmovement of the limited angle bone screw 50 to be controlled.

While FIGS. 1A-3D and 6B-6C illustrate various embodiments of spinalfixation plates 10, 40, 50, 60, 80 having thru-bores 12, 42 a-d, 82 a-dwith a generally circular configuration, the thru-bores can have avariety of other shapes. By way of non-limiting example, FIG. 8illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a spinal fixation plate 90having a slotted thru-bore 92 formed therein. While not shown, theslotted thru-bore 92 can include features, as previously described, toallow a variable angle bone screw, such as screw 60, to move polyaxiallyrelative to the plate 90, and to substantially limit movement of alimited angle bone screw, such as bone screw 50, to a single plane ofmotion. The slotted thru-bore 92 can also allow the variable angle bonescrew 60 and the limited angle bone screw 50 to translate within thethru-bore 92 to allow a position of the screw 50, 60 to be adjustedrelative to the plate 90.

In other exemplary embodiments, a spinal fixation plate can be providedhaving a thru-bore having a configuration that is substantially oppositeto the configuration of the thru-bores 12, 42 a-d, 82 a-d describedabove with respect to spinal fixation plates 10, 40, 50, 60, 80. Inparticular, while not illustrated, an exemplary thru-bore can include aproximal portion that is asymmetrical, e.g., oblong, about a centralaxis of the thru-bore, and a distal portion that is symmetrical, e.g.,spherical shape, about the central axis. An exemplary variable anglebone screw and limited angle bone screw for use with such a thru-b orecan likewise have a reverse orientation, such that a head of the limitedangle bone screw includes a proximal portion that is substantiallycylindrical and a distal portion that is substantially spherical, and ahead of the variable angle bone screw can be substantially spherical.The head of the variable angle bone screw does not necessarily need toinclude a proximal portion having any particular configuration.

While not illustrated, the various embodiments of the spinal platesdisclosed herein can also include a locking or retaining mechanism forpreventing bone screw backout. In one embodiment, the locking mechanismcan be integrated into the screw head, as described in a U.S. Patentfiled on even date herewith and entitled “Locking Bone Screw and SpinalPlate System” of Gorhan et al., which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety. In another embodiment, the locking mechanism canbe integrated onto the surface of the plate. The integrated lockingmechanism can be, for example, a cam that is rotatable between anunlocked position and a locked position, in which the cam is forcedagainst the head of the bone screw to provide bone screw backoutresistance. An exemplary cam-type locking mechanism is described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,549,612 of Yapp et al. entitled “Osteosynthesis PlateSystem,” which is also incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.Other exemplary retaining or locking mechanisms include, by way ofnon-limiting example, locking washers, locking screws, and bone screwcovers. One skilled in the art will appreciate that various combinationsof locking mechanisms can be used as well. Other exemplary lockingmechanisms are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,331,179 to Fried et al.,U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,213 to Rogozinski; U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,345 toRichelsoph; U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,666 to Oxland et al.; U.S. Pat. No.5,616,144 to Yapp et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,910 to Warden et al.; andU.S. Pat. No. 4,696,290 to Steffee.

One skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantagesof the invention based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly,the invention is not to be limited by what has been particularly shownand described, except as indicated by the appended claims. Allpublications and references cited herein are expressly incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A spinal plating system, comprising: aspinal plate having a thru-bore extending from a non-bone-contactingsurface of the spinal plate to a bone-contacting surface withoutthreading, the thru-bore including a spherical proximal portion and anoblong distal portion and being configured to interchangeably receivevariable angle bone screws and limited angle bone screws, the oblongdistal portion defining a major diameter and a minor diameter, with themajor diameter being larger than the minor diameter, wherein thethru-bore defines a central axis, the spherical proximal portion issymmetric to the central axis, and the oblong distal portion defines afirst portion extending away from the central axis in a first directionand a second portion extending away from the central axis in a seconddirection, the first portion being opposite to the second portion withrespect to the central axis and the first and second portions definingthe major diameter of the oblong distal portion; a variable angle bonescrew having a head with a spherical proximal portion and a cylindricaldistal portion and a shank extending therefrom, the variable angle bonescrew being polyaxially movable with respect to the spinal plate whenthe variable angle bone screw is seated in the thru-bore; and a limitedangle bone screw having a head with a spherical proximal portion and acylindrical distal portion and a shank extending therefrom, the limitedangle bone screw being movable only in a single plane with respect tothe spinal plate when the limited angle bone screw is seated in thethru-bore, wherein the cylindrical distal portion of the variable anglebone screw defines a first diameter that is greater than or equal to amaximum diameter of the shank of the variable angle bone screw, andwherein the cylindrical distal portion of the limited angle bone screwdefines a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter andless than or equal to the minor diameter.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the thru-bore permits angulation of the variable angle bonescrew up to an angle in the range of 10 and 20 degrees in any directionwith respect to the central axis of the thru-bore.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the thru-bore permits angulation of the limited anglebone screw only up to an angle less than or equal to 5 degrees in thefirst direction and up to an angle of less than or equal to 5 degrees inthe second, opposite direction with respect to the central axis of thethru-bore.
 4. A spinal plating system, comprising: a spinal platecomprising: a concave distal bone-engaging surface; a proximal surfaceopposite to the distal bone-engaging surface; and at least one thru-boreextending from the proximal surface of the spinal plate to concavedistal bone-engaging surface without threading, the thru-bore having aproximal inner wall encircling the thru-bore that is symmetrical about acentral axis of the thru-bore and a distal inner wall encircling thethru-bore that is asymmetrical about the central axis, and first andsecond bone engaging fasteners, each fastener having a shank portion anda head formed thereon, the head including a spherical proximal portionand a cylindrical distal portion with the shank extending therefrom,wherein the proximal inner wall of the thru-bore is spherical in shapeand configured to interchangeably receive the heads of the first andsecond bone engaging fasteners, and wherein the distal inner wall of thethru-bore is oblong in shape and configured to allow the shank portionof the first bone engaging fastener to move polyaxially with respect tothe spinal plate and configured to restrict the shank portion of thesecond bone engaging fastener to movement in a single plane with respectto the spinal plate, the distal inner wall defining a major diameter anda minor diameter, with the major diameter being larger than the minordiameter, wherein the distal inner wall defines a first portionextending away from the central axis in a first direction and a secondportion extending away from the central axis in a second direction, thefirst portion being opposite to the second portion with respect to thecentral axis and the first and second portions defining the majordiameter of the distal inner wall, wherein the cylindrical distalportion of the first bone engaging fastener defines a first diameterthat is greater than or equal to a maximum diameter of the shank of thefirst bone engaging fastener, and wherein the cylindrical distal portionof the second bone engaging fastener defines a second diameter that isgreater than the first diameter and less than or equal to the minordiameter.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the thru-bore permitsangulation of the first bone engaging fastener up to an angle in therange of 10 to 20 degrees in any direction with respect to the centralaxis of the thru-bore.
 6. The system of claim 4, wherein the thru-borepermits angulation of the second bone engaging fastener only up to anangle of less than or equal to 5 degrees in the first direction and upto an angle of less than or equal to 5 degrees in the second, oppositedirection with respect to the central axis of the thru-bore.
 7. Thesystem of claim 4, wherein the at least one thru-bore comprises aplurality of thru-bores.
 8. The system of claim 4, wherein the plate isconfigured to span a plurality of vertebral levels.